The First Steps

Diving into the adoption of zero-waste lifestyle tendencies, for me, has comparatively felt like a newborn foal just learning to walk. It can be awkward, there's a lot of stumbling, and sometimes you are going to fall down. Just today, I forgot my reusable bag at a craft store and a wave of guilt washed over me as this realization hit me while exiting the store. Frustration set in; even though I have mentally and physically committed to executing important changes, I am still making silly mistakes.

Once I made this commitment to become a better earth-lovin' human, I was floored by the realization that wasteful tendencies have essentially been built into our everyday existence. It takes additional energy and time to seek out plastic free, reusable, and responsibly sourced items. Plastic bags, disposable cups, and styrofoam take-away containers now haunt my jaunts into public. Making the commitment is one thing, but it is re-training the brain to resort first to zero-waste alternatives that I find most challenging. 

I have read quite a few blogs that account individual progression towards achievement of zero-waste living, and many chronicle months of adjustments until they are 100% immersed. Initially, I was focusing frustration on things I already had in my possession that didn't fit my new "brand", but I am now recognizing that it is the smalls steps you take to progress that will in turn create the greater journey. 

Here are some of my "first steps" that I am celebrating this week:

- I DID remember my reusable bags at the thrift store yesterday. There was also a huge sale on all things so I was able to stock up on mason jars in a variety of sizes and shapes, along with a citrus reamer and a carafe (all glass, no plastic)!

- I received my order of reusable cotton pads, which means I am officially off disposable cotton balls. Look out for a post coming soon on these. I am loving them!

- Aerosal dry shampoo is a thing of the past. Lush's No Drought dry shampoo is a vegan alternative that uses grapefruit oil giving hair a fresh, citrus scent. The bonus feature? The packaging is 100% post-consumer recycled plastic that can be re-used or recycled.

What changes have you made this week to make the world a greener place?
- S

P.S. Check out A Plastic Ocean on Netflix. It's a very powerful documentary about the repercussions of plastic on the creatures that call the ocean home.